What is Wonju, and where is it located?

Wonju is a populous city located in Gangwon Province, South Korea. It is situated approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of Seoul, the capital of South Korea.

What is the approximate population of Wonju as of September 2024?

As of September 2024, Wonju has a population of 362,017 residents. This figure represents the number of people living within the city's administrative boundaries at that time.

How is the name Wonju pronounced?

The Korean pronunciation of Wonju is [wʌn.dʑu]. The name is written in Hangul as 원주 and in Hanja as 原州市.

What was Wonju's historical role during the Joseon Dynasty?

During the era of Great Joseon, Wonju served as the capital of the historic Gangwon Province, which was one of the Eight Provinces of Korea. This indicates its administrative and regional importance during that period.

What significant events occurred in Wonju during the Korean War?

Wonju was the site of several critical events during the Korean War. These included the first massacres conducted by the Republic of Korea Army against suspected communists on June 30, 1950, the capture of the city by the Korean People's Army on July 7, 1950, and it was the location of three crucial battles throughout the war.

Describe the geographical setting of Wonju.

Wonju is situated in the southwestern part of Gangwon Province, bordering Gyeonggi Province to the west and North Chungcheong Province to the south. Unlike the mountainous terrain common in much of Gangwon, Wonju is characterized by a basin located on a wide plain formed by the Seom River.

What is the administrative structure of Wonju?

Wonju is organized into one eup (town), eight myeon (townships), and sixteen dong (neighborhoods). These administrative divisions categorize the different areas within the city.

What types of transportation infrastructure are available in Wonju?

Wonju is served by several transportation facilities, including the Wonju Bus Terminal, Wonju Express Bus Terminal, Manjong station, Wonju station, Seowonju station, and Wonju Airport. These facilities connect the city to other regions.

Does Wonju have international schools?

Yes, Wonju has one international school, the Wonju Chinese Primary School. This school provides education for students within the international community.

What is the Rail Park in Wonju?

The Wonju Rail Park is a recreational area built on disused rail tracks between Pandae and Ganhyeon stations, covering a total of 6.5 kilometers (4.0 miles). It offers visitors a scenic cycling experience through the surrounding mountains, with a journey typically lasting about 40 minutes.

What is the religious significance of Wonju in terms of its Catholic presence?

Wonju is the base for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wonju. This indicates a significant presence and administrative center for the Catholic Church in the region.

Can you list some of the museums located in Wonju?

Wonju features a variety of museums, including the Mureung Museum, Yonsei University Wonju Museum, Museum Yetechaek Towns, Wonju City Museum, Chiak Folk Museum, Myeongjusa Chiaksan and Engraving Museum, Toji Literature Park, Toji Cultural Center, Hanji Museum, On Museum of the Arts, and Museum San. These museums offer diverse cultural and artistic experiences.

What libraries are available in Wonju?

The city of Wonju has several libraries, including the Wonju City Library, Taejang Library, Jungcheon Philosophical Library, Wonju Education and Culture Center, and Munmak Library. These facilities serve as centers for learning and community engagement.

What is the climate classification of Wonju?

Wonju has a humid continental climate, classified as Dwa under the Köppen climate classification and Dcao under the Trewartha climate classification. This climate type is characterized by distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters, often with monsoon influences.

What is the average annual precipitation in Wonju?

The average annual precipitation in Wonju is approximately 1,299 millimeters (51.14 inches). This rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with higher amounts typically occurring during the summer months.

What is the average number of sunshine hours per month in Wonju?

The average monthly sunshine hours in Wonju vary throughout the year, with the highest recorded in October (199.7 hours) and the lowest in July (132.4 hours). The total annual sunshine hours average around 2,063.2 hours.

What is the professional basketball team based in Wonju?

The professional basketball team based in Wonju is the Wonju DB Promy. They compete in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

How many times has the Wonju DB Promy won the KBL Championship?

The Wonju DB Promy basketball team has won the Korean Basketball League Championship three times. These victories occurred during the 2002-03, 2004-05, and 2007-08 seasons.

Who is Kim Seon-dong from Wonju?

Kim Seon-dong, originally from Wonju, is a South Korean politician. He served as the Secretary-General of the United Future Party (UFP).

Who is Jee Yong-ju, a notable person from Wonju?

Jee Yong-ju, who hails from Wonju, is a South Korean amateur boxer. He is recognized for his achievements in the sport.

Identify Kim Ji-woong from Wonju.

Kim Ji-woong, a native of Wonju, is a South Korean actor and singer. He is known for his work in both acting and music.

Who is Jang Mi-ran, a notable athlete from Wonju?

Jang Mi-ran, from Wonju, is a renowned South Korean weightlifter. She is celebrated for her accomplishments in international weightlifting competitions.

What is notable about Heechul (Kim Hee-chul) from Wonju?

Heechul, whose real name is Kim Hee-chul and who is from Wonju, is a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry. He is a singer-songwriter, dancer, model, actor, MC, and K-pop idol, best known as a member of the boy group Super Junior.

Who is Kim Do-yeon, a notable person from Wonju?

Kim Do-yeon, originally from Wonju, is a South Korean actress and singer. She is recognized for her roles as a lead vocalist and visual in the K-pop girl group Weki Meki and was formerly a member of I.O.I.

What is Yoon Ji-sung's connection to Wonju?

Yoon Ji-sung, who is from Wonju, is a South Korean singer and actor. He gained recognition as a former member of the K-pop project boy group Wanna One.

Who is Sojung (Lee So-jung) from Wonju?

Sojung, whose real name is Lee So-jung and who is from Wonju, is a South Korean singer, dancer, and model. She is a K-pop idol and a member of the girl group Ladies' Code.

What is Ahn Young-mi's profession and connection to Wonju?

Ahn Young-mi, a native of Wonju, is a well-known South Korean comedian. She is also recognized for being a member of the K-pop girl group Celeb Five.

Who is Choi Kyu-hah, a notable political figure from Wonju?

Choi Kyu-hah, originally from Wonju, is a significant figure in South Korean politics. He served as the former President of South Korea.

What is Chai-Sik Chung's background and connection to Wonju?

Chai-Sik Chung, who is from Wonju, is a Korean-American social ethicist and sociologist of religion. He is recognized for his contributions to these academic fields.

Who is Ham Deok-ju, a notable athlete from Wonju?

Ham Deok-ju, a native of Wonju, is a South Korean professional baseball pitcher. He has played for the Doosan Bears in the Korea Baseball Organization.

What is Han Dong-jin's connection to Wonju?

Han Dong-jin, originally from Wonju, is a South Korean footballer. He plays as a midfielder for Jeju United FC in the K League 2.

Who are Shin Yu-na and Park Sungho, notable individuals from Wonju?

Shin Yu-na, from Wonju, is a member of the K-pop girl group ITZY. Park Sungho, also from Wonju, is a member of the K-pop boy group BoyNextDoor.

What was Wonju's spelling in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, Wonju was spelled as Wen-tsiou. This historical spelling reflects the transliteration practices of that era.

What is the Köppen climate classification for Wonju?

Wonju's climate is classified as Dwa under the Köppen climate classification system. This designation signifies a humid continental climate with hot summers.

What is the Trewartha climate classification for Wonju?

According to the Trewartha climate classification, Wonju is categorized as Dcao. This classification also indicates a humid continental climate with hot summers and monsoon influences.

What is the average daily maximum temperature in Wonju during July?

The average daily maximum temperature in Wonju during July is approximately 29.7 degrees Celsius (85.5 degrees Fahrenheit). This reflects the warm summer conditions typical for the region.

What is the average daily minimum temperature in Wonju during January?

The average daily minimum temperature in Wonju during January is around -8.0 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This indicates the cold winter temperatures experienced in the city.

What is the average number of days with precipitation in Wonju per year?

Wonju experiences an average of approximately 111.7 days with precipitation per year. This indicates a moderate frequency of rainy or snowy days throughout the year.

What is the average number of snowy days in Wonju during winter months?

Wonju typically experiences snowy days during the winter months, with an average of 8.2 days in January, 6.6 days in February, and 3.9 days in March. The total average snowy days per year is 27.1.

What is the average relative humidity in Wonju during the summer months?

The average relative humidity in Wonju during the summer months is generally high, reaching about 76.3% in July and 75.8% in August. This is typical for humid continental climates during warmer periods.

What is the total area of Wonju in square kilometers and square miles?

The total area of Wonju is 867.30 square kilometers (334.87 square miles). This measurement defines the geographical extent of the city.

What is the population density of Wonju?

The population density of Wonju is approximately 421 people per square kilometer (1,090 people per square mile). This indicates how closely residents are situated within the city's area.

What dialect is spoken in Wonju?

The dialect spoken in Wonju is the Gangwon dialect. This regional dialect is characteristic of the Gangwon Province.

What is the area code for Wonju?

The area code for Wonju is +82-33-7xx. This code is used for telephone communication within the region.

What is Wonju's ISO 3166 code?

Wonju's ISO 3166 code is KR-42. This code is used for standardized identification of the administrative region.

What is the significance of the Gangwon Gamyeong in Wonju?

The Gangwon Gamyeong, located in Wonju, represents a historical administrative center. Images of it are included in the city's informational graphics.

What is the purpose of the Wonju Rail Park?

The Wonju Rail Park was created on disused railway tracks to provide a recreational space for visitors. It allows people to cycle along the former tracks, enjoying scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

Wonju Wiki: Wonju: Echoes of History, Pulse of Modernity

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Overview

Strategic Location

Wonju is a significant municipal city situated in the southwestern region of Gangwon Province, South Korea. It serves as the most populous city within the province, located approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) east of the capital, Seoul.

Population Dynamics

As of 2023, Wonju's population stands at 364,860 residents. The city's administrative structure is organized into one eup (town), eight myeon (townships), and sixteen dong (neighborhoods), reflecting its diverse urban and rural components.

Korean Identity

The city's name, Wonju, is rendered in Korean as Wonju-si (\uc6d0\uc8fc\uc2dc). Historically, it was known as Wen-tsiou in the 19th century, and its administrative divisions are managed by a mayor, currently Won Gang-su.

Historical Significance

Joseon Era Capital

During the Joseon Dynasty, Wonju held considerable importance as the historical capital of Gangwon Province. This period underscores its role as a key administrative and cultural center within the region, one of Korea's traditional Eight Provinces.

Korean War Crucible

Wonju was a critical site during the Korean War. It witnessed early massacres by the Republic of Korea Army against suspected communists and was subsequently captured by the Korean People's Army. The city was the stage for three pivotal battles during the conflict, highlighting its strategic military relevance.

Geographical Context

Provincial Placement

Wonju is strategically positioned at the southwestern edge of Gangwon Province. It shares borders with Gyeonggi Province to the west and North Chungcheong Province to the south, while also bordering Yeongwol County to the east and Hoengseong County to the north within Gangwon.

Basin Landscape

Distinct from much of Gangwon's mountainous terrain, Wonju is characterized by a basin landscape. It is situated along the wide plain formed by the Seom River, contributing to its unique geographical identity and suitability for settlement and development.

Administrative Structure

Municipal Organization

Wonju's administrative framework comprises one eup (town), eight myeon (townships), and sixteen dong (neighborhoods). This structure facilitates the governance and management of its diverse population and geographical areas.

Name	Hangul	Population	Area (km²)
Munmak-eup	\ubb38\ub9c9\uc74d	17,659	104.34
Socho-myeon	\uc18c\ucd08\uba74	8,468	103.08
Hojeo-myeon	\ud638\uc800\uba74	3,687	76.97
Jijeong-myeon	\uc9c0\uc815\uba74	28,438	89.70
Buron-myeon	\ubd80\ub860\uba74	2,261	82.67
Gwirea-myeon	\uadc0\ub798\uba74	2,177	76.55
Heungeop-myeon	\ud765\uc5c5\uba74	8,627	59.59
Panbu-myeon	\ud310\ubd80\uba74	7,269	67.72
Sillim-myeon	\uc2e0\ub9bc\uba74	3,538	127.41
Jungang-dong	\uc911\uc559\ub3d9	2,663	1.90
Wonin-dong	\uc6d0\uc778\ub3d9	5,059	0.48
Gaeun-dong	\uac1c\uc6b4\ub3d9	12,738	1.05
Myeongnyun il-dong	\uba85\ub95c1\ub3d9	8,525	0.92
Myeongnyun i-dong	\uba85\ub95c2\ub3d9	15,515	0.94
Dangu-dong	\ub2e8\uad6c\ub3d9	44,364	3.91
Ilsan-dong	\uc77c\uc0b0\ub3d9	8,583	0.80
Hakseong-dong	\ud559\uc131\ub3d9	4,713	0.73
Dangye-dong	\ub2e8\acc4\ub3d9	28,990	4.16
Usan-dong	\uc6b0\uc0b0\ub3d9	13,507	7.40
Taejang il-dong	\ud0dc\uc7a51\ub3d9	10,067	3.04
Taejang i-dong	\ud0dc\uc7a52\ub3d9	24,736	8.94
Bongsan-dong	\ubd09\uc0b0\ub3d9	8,059	7.26
Haenggu-dong	\ud589\uad6c\ub3d9	7,786	13.44
Musil-dong	\ubb34\uc2e4\ub3d9	32,906	8.59
BangokGwanseol-dong	\ubc18\uace1\uad00\uc124\ub3d9	44,433	21.00
Total		354,768	872.56

Transportation Network

Bus Terminals

Wonju is served by two major bus terminals: the Wonju Bus Terminal and the Wonju Express Bus Terminal, facilitating regional and intercity travel.

Rail Connectivity

Key railway stations include Manjong Station, Wonju Station, and Seowonju Station. Wonju Station is a significant stop on the Jungang Line, connecting the city to the wider national rail network.

Air Access

Wonju is accessible via Wonju Airport, providing air travel options for both domestic and potentially international connections, enhancing its accessibility.

Educational Institutions

Higher Education

Wonju hosts several prominent higher education institutions, including Gangneung-Wonju National University, Halla University, Sangji University, Yonsei University (Mirae Campus), and Kyungdong University, contributing to its status as an educational hub.

Schooling System

The city's educational infrastructure includes a substantial number of schools: 71 kindergartens, 48 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, and 20 high schools (comprising general, special purpose, and specialized types). It also hosts the Wonju Chinese Primary School.

Cultural Landscape

Rail Park Experience

A unique cultural attraction is the Wonju Rail Park, developed on disused railway tracks between Pandae and Ganhyeon stations. This 6.5 km route offers a scenic 40-minute journey, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding mountain vistas.

Museums and Libraries

Wonju boasts a rich array of cultural venues, including the Mureung Museum, Yonsei University Wonju Museum, Museum Yetchaek Towns, Wonju City Museum, Chiak Folk Museum, and the Toji Literature Park and Cultural Center, among others. Its library system includes the Wonju City Library and Taejang Library.

Religious Significance

The city is also the base for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wonju, indicating a significant religious presence and history within the community.

Climate Profile

Climatic Classification

Wonju experiences a humid continental climate, classified under the Köppen system as Dwa and by Trewartha as Dcao. This indicates distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters.

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Avg. High °C (°F)	2.4 (36.3)	5.6 (42.1)	11.8 (53.2)	19.1 (66.4)	24.4 (75.9)	28.1 (82.6)	29.7 (85.5)	30.3 (86.5)	25.9 (78.6)	20.0 (68.0)	12.0 (53.6)	4.3 (39.7)	17.8 (64.0)
Avg. Temp °C (°F)	-3.1 (26.4)	-0.3 (31.5)	5.5 (41.9)	12.2 (54.0)	17.9 (64.2)	22.4 (72.3)	25.1 (77.2)	25.3 (77.5)	20.2 (68.4)	13.3 (55.9)	6.0 (42.8)	-1.1 (30.0)	12.0 (53.6)
Avg. Low °C (°F)	-8.0 (17.6)	-5.6 (21.9)	-0.3 (31.5)	5.7 (42.3)	11.8 (53.2)	17.3 (63.1)	21.4 (70.5)	21.5 (70.7)	15.5 (59.9)	7.8 (46.0)	1.0 (33.8)	-5.7 (21.7)	6.9 (44.4)
Precipitation mm (in)	18.0 (0.71)	28.5 (1.12)	43.8 (1.72)	73.0 (2.87)	86.1 (3.39)	136.7 (5.38)	357.8 (14.09)	289.8 (11.41)	147.0 (5.79)	52.7 (2.07)	42.1 (1.66)	23.5 (0.93)	1299 (51.14)

Source: Korea Meteorological Administration (normals 1991–2020)

Sporting Achievements

Basketball Dominance

Wonju is the home of the Wonju DB Promy, a prominent team in the Korean Basketball League. The team has achieved significant success, winning the league championship three times, solidifying Wonju's presence in the national sports scene.

Global Connections

International Partnerships

Wonju maintains sister city relationships with several international cities, fostering cultural exchange and cooperation. These include Roanoke (Virginia, USA), Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Yantai and Hefei (China), Ichikawa (Chiba, Japan), and Belfast (Northern Ireland, UK).

Notable Individuals

Arts and Entertainment

Wonju has been the birthplace of numerous figures in the arts and entertainment, including K-pop idols like Heechul (Super Junior), Kim Do-yeon (Weki Meki), Yoon Ji-sung (Wanna One), Sojung (Ladies' Code), Shin Yu-na (ITZY), Park Sungho (BoyNextDoor), and comedian Ahn Young-mi.

Sports and Politics

The city is also recognized for its athletes, such as weightlifters Jang Mi-ran and Yoon Jin-hee. Politically, former President Choi Kyu-hah hailed from Wonju, alongside figures like politician Kim Seon-dong.

Academia and Society

Academically and socially, notable individuals include ethicist Chai-Sik Chung and baseball pitcher Ham Deok-ju.

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References

In the 19th century, Wonju was spelled Wen-tsiou.[3]

A full list of references for this article are available at the Wonju Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document was generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and has been refined to meet academic standards for clarity and depth.

This is not professional advice. Information presented here should not substitute consultation with qualified experts in urban planning, history, or cultural studies. Always verify critical information with primary sources or official documentation.

The creators are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Wonju: Echoes of History, Pulse of Modernity

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📍 Strategic Location

👥 Population Dynamics

🇰🇷 Korean Identity

Historical Significance 📜

👑 Joseon Era Capital

⚔️ Korean War Crucible

Geographical Context 🏞️

🗺️ Provincial Placement

🌊 Basin Landscape

Administrative Structure 🏛️

🗂️ Municipal Organization

Transportation Network 🚄

🚌 Bus Terminals

🚉 Rail Connectivity

✈️ Air Access

Educational Institutions 🎓

🏫 Higher Education

📚 Schooling System

Cultural Landscape 🎨

🛤️ Rail Park Experience

🏛️ Museums and Libraries

⛪ Religious Significance

Climate Profile ☀️

🌡️ Climatic Classification

Sporting Achievements 🏀

🏆 Basketball Dominance

Global Connections 🤝

🌍 International Partnerships

Notable Individuals 🌟

🎤 Arts and Entertainment

🏅 Sports and Politics

⚖️ Academia and Society

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Strategic Location

Population Dynamics

Korean Identity

Historical Significance

Joseon Era Capital

Korean War Crucible

Geographical Context

Provincial Placement

Basin Landscape

Administrative Structure

Municipal Organization

Transportation Network

Bus Terminals

Rail Connectivity

Air Access

Educational Institutions

Higher Education

Schooling System

Cultural Landscape

Rail Park Experience

Museums and Libraries

Religious Significance

Climate Profile

Climatic Classification

Sporting Achievements

Basketball Dominance

Global Connections

International Partnerships

Notable Individuals

Arts and Entertainment

Sports and Politics

Academia and Society

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice